Why All the Angst?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT) The thought of being in heaven without my kids is unbearable. To see them walking without an intimate relationship withContinue reading “Why All the Angst?”

What Is the Object of Your Praise?

“For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43 NLT) One of the clearest pictures of a person who loves Jesus more than they love themselves, is their reaction to praise. That’s something with which I’ve wrestled for many years, and still do on some levels. For example, when I wasContinue reading “What Is the Object of Your Praise?”

What It Means to Be a Masterpiece

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)   We’ve been looking at the sacred nature of our relationship with Jesus that spills over into every area of our lives – not only howContinue reading “What It Means to Be a Masterpiece”

Seeing Our Work As Sacred (Part 2)

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NLT) In yesterday’s post we began investigating how our view of work should beContinue reading “Seeing Our Work As Sacred (Part 2)”

Seeing Our Work As Sacred

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)   We’re tempted, especially as a new believer, to view what we do to earn a living as “ours,” and what we do in and throughContinue reading “Seeing Our Work As Sacred”

Everything You Need!

“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” (Matthew 6:32 NLT) When you think about “needs,” what comes first to mind? If you’re a Jesus follower, hopefully, you’ll recognize your overarching need of Jesus. But when it comes to practical, everyday needs, what’s first? Food, clothing, shelter,Continue reading “Everything You Need!”

The Exponential Effects of Your Witness

“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NLT) To me the most vital characteristic a Jesus follower must have in order to influence others for Him, is compassion. We fret and make excuse for not reaching out toContinue reading “The Exponential Effects of Your Witness”

Why We Often Miss the “Harvest” Window

“He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.’” (Matthew 9:37-38 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at a scene from Jesus’ life when He had a conversation withContinue reading “Why We Often Miss the “Harvest” Window”

Harvest Is Urgent Business

“Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’” (John 4:31 NLT) While I have very little experience with farming and literal crops, other than flowers and a few plants we had in a small garden, I know enough to realize that harvesting in a timely manner is critical. To pick the ripening fruit orContinue reading “Harvest Is Urgent Business”

The Price of Love

“So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to Him but a few days.” (Genesis 29:20 NLT) Love, like faith, is in many ways an intangible. It becomes visible only when acted upon. How many times a day do we tell someone thatContinue reading “The Price of Love”